Lacrosse Playground, every once in awhile, features a different lacrosse athlete as part of our “Grip ‘N Rip” series, where we’ll find out what the best use to fine tune their game. Today we feature Villanova 2012 Team Captain and 2011 All-BIG EAST First Team attackman, Kevin Cunningham.Villanova Career Stats: Appeared in 42 games while making 33 starts on attack… Tallied 48 goals, 59 assists and 107 points during his three-year career… Captured 43 ground balls and seven caused turnovers… Ranks fourth all-time averaging 2.55 points per game… Ranks fifth all-time averaging 1.40 assists per game… Ranks seventh all time with 59 assists… Tied for 12th all-time with 107 points.

What head do you use?
I use the Super-PowerWhat handle do you use?
Sci-ti Pro

Where does your pocket sit/what type of pocket do you prefer?
My pocket sits in the middle of my head because I like to be able pass the ball on the run quickly.Who is your stick doctor? Do you string it yourself or have a go-to-teammate/friend?
My stick doctor is my teammate Will Casertano. I tell him how I want my stick to throw and he can do it exactly how I ask.

Stick Doctor: Will Casertano

What kind of mesh do you use (Hard, soft, monster, traditional/leathers, marc , etc.)? Why?
I use hard mesh because I like the way the ball sits and releases in my pocket with that type of mesh.

What is your preferred glove?
Right now I still use the STX Fleet glove just because of how comfortable and broken it is, but this year I really like the new STX Assault gloves so I will most likely use them.How much whip does your stick have?
My stick doesn’t have a lot of whip, I’m known for my vision and passing abilities so I like to be able to control where the ball goes… I feel my passes are more accurate without whip.Anything unique you do to your head or shaft (pocket up-keep, tape jobs, alterations, etc.)?
The tape job I do before every game: I do criss-crosses on the top of my shaft for dodging so I have a good grip and I tape the bottom of my shaft so I have grip when I shoot the ball.How long do you keep a stick before you get a new one?
I usually keep my stick until it breaks or isn’t throwing the way I like.

What’s most important to you in a stick/what makes a good stick?
To me, the most important thing is that I’m able to throw accurate and hard passes to my teammates. Every player has a different stick… what makes a good stick is that you feel comfortable in how it shoots and throws.

What’s the best part about playing lacrosse at Villanova?
The best part of Villanova Lacrosse is being a member of the BIG EAST Conference, having the opportunity to make the NCAA tournament every year and watching our program continue to grow and get better.What are you doing when you aren’t playing lacrosse?
I’m usually home hanging out with my teammates. Seven of the seniors on our team live in the same house so when we’re not on the field we’re hanging out together at our house.

What should we expect from Villanova this year?
We have very high expectations. We return a large number of starters and we’re focused and determined. We want to have a great season and not only make the NCAA tournament but get through the first round and make a run at the championship.